Paddy Higgins' dad welcomes party town safety plans

Safety improvements are being made in Newquay after Paddy Higgins' death

A Bracknell teacher whose son died after falling from a Newquay cliff has welcomed the town’s “No ID, no Newquay” motto.

John Higgins, whose son Paddy, 16, died in July, has been campaigning for action to make the Cornish town safer.

John, who teaches at Brakenhale School in Rectory Road, Easthampstead, said: “I am hoping all the changes together will help make things better.

“I get the impression Cornwall County Council and Devon & Cornwall Police are genuine about their desire to improve safety.”

The drinking and hard-partying culture in the town were heavily criticised in the wake of Binfield FC player, Paddy’s, death, which happened within days of another death and serious accident involving young people falling from Cornwall cliffs.

Pubs, clubs and retailers will only accept either passports or driving licences as proof of age when selling alcohol.

Anyone who looks under 21 will also be asked for ID when buying booze, under the Challenge 21 scheme.

Inspector Dave Meredith from Devon & Cornwall Police said: “I am especially pleased to see that John Higgins is supporting this campaign to make Newquay a safer place.

“John has obviously been through a very traumatic time after the loss of his son. It is commendable that he has sought to support this campaign with a positive and progressive attitude.

“Police, Cornwall council and licensees are stood shoulder to shoulder in a collective effort to address the town’s problems.”

The Forest School pupil died after becoming separated from his friends on a night out while on holiday to celebrate the end of GCSEs.

John and Paddy’s stepmother Shireen launched a petition on the Government’s Number 10 website following his death calling for improvements to safety measures.

Other improvements include repairing broken and damaged gates and fences along the coastal paths.

Since the summer, changes in the marketing of the town mean many websites no longer promote the town’s perceived drinking culture.

- Mr Higgins and Richard Pryor, Paddy’s rugby teacher at school, have pledges of more than £1,000 for a sponsored skydive in Paddy’s memory in aid of the Prince’s Trust.

It was first planned for November 8 but bad weather has meant it has had to be postponed to a date yet to be arranged.